AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE
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1. The unit does NOT look like what is listed on airbnb.
The pictures posted on airbnb make the place look a lot bigger than it actually is. Another reviewer said the same thing. Additionally, the photos are only SAMPLES of available units. Presumably, the host owns multiple units in the building with a similar layout. The host does not make any mention of this, and is too lazy to take photos that give an accurate representation of each individual unit. stayed at unit 501, if it matters to anyone.
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2. The unit is NOT well taken care of.
Broken TV. Very old cooktop that takes ages to heat up. Bed frame was dinged and chipped all along the edges. Closet has a safe, but the batteries are WELL beyond dead, and even a little fuzzy with and acid layer. Filthy overhead lighting above the dining area table. YES, you read that right - there's a thick layer dust sitting on top of the light right above where you're supposed to be eating. Ice cube tray was absolutely disgusting. It makes me wonder when the last time someone actually opened the freezer and took a look inside. Grouting around the bathtub is stained black. Bathroom toilet is stained from a blue liquid, and stinks up the whole bathroom with a sewage smell no matter how many times you flush. What are we paying all of these "cleaning fees" on airbnb for? The entire place needs a remodel, and updates to its appliances.
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3. Many inconveniences.
Kitchen is minimally stocked with pots, pans, plates, etc. Literally, there is only two of everything: two cups, two forks, two spoons, two plates, two bowls, two frying pans. It makes trying to actually cook and eat anything an absolute pain. The frying pans are too big for cooktop; if you try to use both at the same time, one will push the other off the heating element and it will be hanging half-way off.
Speaking of cooking - there's no cooking oil or any seasoning supplied at all. If you're going to be staying a week or shorter, you're going to have to buy your own bottle of cooking oil which you'll unbdoubtedly not get close to using all up.
NO laundry detergent is provided for you. You'll have to buy your own too. There's a drying rack for your clothes, but NO hangers are given to you to actually make the drying rack usable. I had to go downstairs to the front desk and ask for a set. At first, the lady gave me 4 hangers. Insisting that I had more than just 2 pants and 2 shirts to dry, she hesitantly gave in to my request to give me an additional 4 more.
HOW DIFFICULT is it to provide these basic items? These small details make a tremendous difference to the convenience of staying at a place. When they're missing, they really show how much effort (or lack thereof) the host has actually given to make a place hospitable.
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4. HORRENDOUS COMMUNICATION WITH THE HOST.
Of all the problems with this stay, this one is the most egregious and unforgivable. The host is careless, and has an attitude of being "I'm right, you're wrong".
The terrible communication started before I even arrived at the unit; I copied the address found in the listing, and pasted it into Google. It took me to the absolute WRONG address. When I called the host to ask for clarifications, she said something along the lines of "it's soi ###," as if I knew what the hell that meant. Additionally, she said "no other clients have had problems finding the address. Why can't you?" I had to book and pay for ANOTHER taxi to take me to the right address, with no appologies or compensation from the host for listing the WRONG ADDRESS. I VERY much doubt she took my criticism to heart to even try Googling the address SHE listed.
Later when I was in the airbnb, I tried to use the TV. As soon as I turned it on, I could see that it was clearly broken. I contacted the host to ask if she knew about it. She said "Nope not aware at all". No apologies, no explanation.
When I checked out of the unit, the host INSISTED that I had received two sets of keys. I had only received one set. Later, she INSISTED that I had left both AC units on. I said to her that the AC unit in the living room was fine and turned off normally, but I had problems with the automatic function for the AC in the bedroom. Again, she insisted it was my fault, saying "How can. They been clients staying never had this problem".
I don't know what kind of fairy tale land she lives in, but appliances break-down through normal wear and tear and use. It's apparent that she doesn't know that maintenance is a real thing, and that repair technicians exist for a reason. When something (inevitably) fails, it's going to be YOUR fault (yes, you! the potential next guest).
Absolutely terrible. Never again.